Foods that can compensate for zinc deficiency include cucumber, lettuce, olives, peas, peanuts, almonds, lamb...
Zinc is one of the most important minerals in the body, needed for the body's immune system, building proteins and starting enzymes. It enables normal growth, development and sexual maturation. People who are often on a diet, do not consume meat and dairy products, as well as elderly people with chronic diseases, belong to the risk group that suffers from a lack of this mineral.
Foods that can compensate for zinc deficiency include cucumber, lettuce, olives, peas, peanuts, almonds, lamb, beef, veal liver, eggs, cheese, milk and yogurt. Apart from a decreased appetite, there are several signs that your body is lacking zinc.
Indicators that you are deficient in zinc
If colds "attack" you one after the other, there is a possibility that the lack of zinc has caused a drop in immunity. As much as six percent of the total intake of zinc is found in the skin, and certain studies prove that people who suffer from acne often do not have enough zinc in their bodies. Zinc plays a major role in the production and release of the hormone melatonin. Therefore, too little of this mineral leads to sleep problems.
Low levels of thyroid hormones can indicate that the body is not absorbing enough zinc, a condition that is also associated with hair loss.
Many studies have shown that zinc therapy can help slow cognitive decline, but also that its deficiency can accelerate the course of the disease.
The richest meat and shellfish
It is considered that a sufficient daily amount of zinc can be provided by a varied diet. The best natural sources of zinc are meat (including red meat and poultry, especially beef, turkey and offal) and fish and other seafood, especially oysters and other shellfish, crabs and tuna.
Important sources of zinc are milk and milk products, eggs and whole grains. Although the utilization of zinc from plant foods is significantly lower than from animal sources, do not ignore plant sources of zinc: nuts, peas, beans, soy and soy cheese, tofu, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, pumpkins and other seeds. Be sure to enrich your diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables that also contain zinc.
Zinc should be taken especially in the winter months and continuously for six to eight weeks. Experiences have shown that at the level of the mucous membrane of the throat and nose, it creates a barrier that prevents flu viruses from penetrating further into the body, reports Nezavisne.
Bonus video: